The growth trend in tourism continues! 34% increase in March in incoming tourism (393,000 tourists) on March 2017 and 63% more than March 2016.

Tourism injected $577 million into the economy.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 393,000 tourist entries were recorded in March 2018, about 34% more than March 2017. In the period January- March 2018, about 949,000 tourist entries were recorded, 29% increase on the same period last year. Revenue from tourism in March reached about $577 million.

It should be noted that the largest increases were registered in those countries in which the ministry is investing its marketing efforts – 39% increase in USA, 136% in Poland, 90% in Sweden, 68% in Spain, 55% in Germany and 49% in France.

March 2018

There was a 34% increase in tourist entries in March 2018 as compared to 2017 and 63% increase on March 2016.

348,200 tourist entries were by air, an increase of 36% on 2017 and 60% on March 2016.

44,600 tourists arrived via the land crossings, 19% more than in March 2017 and 101% more than in 2016.

23,200 arrived as day visitors in March, 98% increase in March 2017 and 26% more than in 2016.

January- March 2018

In January- March 2018, about one million tourist entries were recorded, an increase of 30% on the same period in 2017 (770,000) and 58% more than in 2016. Since the beginning of the year, tourism has injected NIS 4.9 billion into the Israeli economy.

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin: “Further to the opening of new direct air routes and new markets from India and Brazil in the last month, we are witnessing record levels of incoming tourists. I am pleased that impressive increases were recorded in March as well. This a result of the marketing activities and the innovative steps we are taking, together with the incentives for airlines and investment in infrastructure. Tourism continues to contribute significantly to the Israeli economy and the labor market.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)